Cornell Plantations Natural Areas Academy

Overview

The sustainable use and management of our natural resources and the long-term conservation of our natural heritage depends upon an environmentally literate society, and people who understand and appreciate the natural world. Yet as environmental challenges mount, people are becoming ever more disconnected from nature. 

Cornell Plantations is uniquely positioned to provide the knowledge, tools, and skills needed to reconnect people with nature through the Natural Areas Academy.

The goal of the Natural Areas Academy is to foster the conservation of natural areas and rare and declining species and their habitats by demonstrating essential stewardship methods, cultivating environmental literacy, and encouraging interactive experience with the natural world.

Through a framework of expert led workshops, field trips, and special projects, and reinforced through directed stewardship and research activities within Plantations’ outdoor classrooms, participants will gain the necessary skills and knowledge to support efforts to preserve our treasured natural resources.  With the newly gained expertise, the Natural Areas Academy participants will help to mentor the next generation of scientists, teachers, environmental stewards, and leaders, thereby fulfilling a vital role in the long-term preservation of our natural heritage, our world, and ultimately, our place in it. 

PROgram requirements

Participants in the Natural Areas Academy (NAA) are expected to work towards the program’s goals and receive certification within a one year period.  Additional program requirements include:

1. attendance at the initial orientation workshop,
2. attendance at at least eight of the workshops and field trips,
3. 40 hours of participation in directed stewardship activities and research opportunities,
4. a non-refundable $100 application fee.  Upon certification, NAA participants are conferred the title of Natural Areas Mentor, and may continue to participate in the academy as a NAA Mentor at no cost.

Enrollment in the Natural Areas Academy:

Thank you for your interest in the Plantations Natural Areas Academy.  Unfortunately, this year’s program is full, and we are no longer accepting registrations.  If you would like to be placed on a waiting list for next year, or for more information, please e-mail Todd Bittner.

PROgram learning opportunities- workshops and field trips

The Natural Areas Academy offers workshops and field trips throughout the year including hemlock woolly adelgid monitoring, plant propagation and natural area tours. Click here for a current schedule.

Click here for a printable version of Krissy Boys Faust's presentation "Growing Native Plants From Seed" on Saturday, April 9th, 2011.

 Directed stewardship activities and research opportunities

Directed stewardship and research activities will provide an opportunity to reinforce workshop lessons and gain additional hands-on knowledge from Plantations staff and Academy peers. Through learning by doing, you will better understand how the individual pieces fit and interrelate in broader systems, while providing rewarding opportunities for you to focus on your personal interests and growth.

Directed activities will vary across the year, coinciding with the seasonal nature of conservation management.  Stewardship activities will include a broad range of experiences, including restoration ecology, invasive species control, preserve and trial maintenance, monitoring, habitat restoration, and special projects. Research opportunities will include census and surveying for rare plants, vegetation sampling, and project-specific research. Directed activities will be offered primarily during standard working hours, and occasionally on weekends or evenings.